Advocating for Change

Being a voice for social and policy change

While most of our work focuses on providing frontline services to those in need, as an organisation we understand the importance of addressing the underlying inequalities and gaps in policy that lead to marginalisation and disadvantage.

We advocate to bring about changes in legislation, public policy, administrative practice and attitudes.

Our advocacy role and strategy focuses on being a voice for social change on the issues that negatively impact the lives of the people who use our services.

We also aim to empower people by supporting them to advocate for themselves and claim their entitlements. Where necessary, we represent and negotiate on behalf of our clients.

Our advocacy role and strategy focuses on being a voice for social change on the issues that negatively impact the lives of the people who use our services.

Advocating for policy change

Seeking change in public policy

We continually pursue opportunities to influence public policy where possible. We do this is by making submissions to public policy processes and planning.

In 2017, COPE Galway contributed submissions to ‘Ireland 2040 Our Plan’, the ‘Health Service Capacity Review’ and the ‘Review of Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness’ in response to public consultation invitations.

We also submit Pre-Budget Submissions to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform in advance of annual Budget, recommending budgetary measures to address the needs of the people we support across all of our services.

COPE Galway contributes at a local and national level to the discourse on various policy initiatives and changes in practice in areas such as housing and health. We do this directly in our interactions with statutory bodies and through active involvement in community networks.

Raising Awareness

Media

We send out frequent media releases and statements on homelessness, domestic abuse and issues affecting older people in the community.

The local print, broadcast and online media have been very supportive with publicising our campaigns and we are very grateful for this.

Social Media

We actively use social media and engage with audiences to raise awareness and gain support for our advocacy for campaigns.

Information events

We regularly hold community information events with schools, colleges, agencies and other community groups. Our services teams speak at these events and hold workshops around preventing and addressing issues like dating abuse, preventing domestic violence and homelessness and how to get help.

For example, our Senior Support Service held a large-scale seminar on Ageing Well in Galway in November and our Domestic Violence Services team regularly visits campus at GMIT and NUIG as well as other outreach events with information in relation to their services.

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COPE Galway is a local Galway charity whose vision is for an “Improved Quality of Life in a Home of your Own” for people affected by homelessness, women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and older people in our community.